Articles

Top 10 Campsites Close to Portland to Take Your TAXA for a Quick Getaway!

By TAXA Adventure Specialists \

Top 10 Campsites Close to Portland to Take Your TAXA for a Quick Getaway!

From stunning views of Mt. Hood to urban campsites straddling two cities to dark ancient forests, all these attractions are only a quick trip away from Portland. Each campground has its unique charm, and these 10 around Portland are exceptionally stunning.

1. Battle Ground Lake

Like Crater Lake, Battle Ground Lake is formed in a volcanic crater, symmetrically circular and deep. Battle Ground Lake Campground has beautiful hiking trails to the lake (about a mile) and only 30 miles outside of Portland. There are only a few sites with full hookups, but there’s plenty of room and shade in this lovely campground just outside the city.

  • Price: $12-79
  • Number of sites: 50
  • RV sites: Yes (max length 30’)
  • Hookups: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

The whole campground felt small and peaceful; the tent sites were well spaced and surrounded by trees.” – Evan F.

2. Sandy Riverfront RV Resort

One of the most appealing things about Sandy Riverfront RV Resort, other than the fact that you have easy access to the Sandy River, is that it’s right across the street from the Sugarpine Drive-In, which has delicious food.

  • Price: $43-57
  • Number of sites: 113
  • RV sites: Yes (max length 60’)
  • Hookups: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

You can bike into the cute town of Troutdale. Right on the river.” – Val R.

3. Jantzen Beach RV Park

This urban campground is located smack-dab between Vancouver and Portland. You get the best of both civilization and wilderness at Jantzen Beach RV Park. It has tons of amenities like showers, a pool, laundry facilities, and hookups. It is within walking distance to Target, BestBuy, and other stores, but it is also clean, quiet, and right by the river.

  • Price: $32-60
  • Number of sites: 169
  • RV sites: Yes (max length 68’)
  • Hookups: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

They’re really good with upkeep and a very comfortable place to be.” – Stephen M.

4. Barton Park Campground

A recreational respite on the banks of the Clackamas River, Barton Park Campground is only 20 miles southeast of Portland. There are 103 sites with water and electrical hookups, and you can have up to 8 people and two pets per campsite. Many spots are shaded under piney boughs, and there are some pull-throughs to accommodate larger RVs.

  • Price: $26-34
  • Number of sites: 112
  • RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
  • Hookups: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

Close to the river and a good area to launch from for a day of rafting.” – Derek S.

5. Oxbow Regional Park

Located in the Sandy Gorge Recreational Area near Gresham, Oxbow Regional Park is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway (although pets are not allowed). The Sandy River is undammed and has spent a millennium carving through glacial rocks and creating beaches. Heated restrooms, free hot showers, and a group pavilion for educational activities or gatherings are available.

  • Price: $22-40
  • Number of sites: 67
  • RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
  • Hookups: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: No

Needed some good quiet time and got it at Oxbow. As usual, employees are OUTSTANDING.” – Kevin M.

6. Champoeg State Heritage Area

This gorgeous spot on the Willamette is a superb mix of history, recreational opportunities, and tranquility. There’s walking, biking, and birding, along with fishing and kayaking in the lake. 21 sites have full hookups, and 54 have electric and water hookups. Old oak trees and farmland makes for a peaceful setting at Champoeg State Heritage Area.

  • Price: $5-72,
  • Number of sites: 79
  • RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
  • Hookups: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

There are lots of historical sites around the campground to enjoy as well.” – Scott W.

7. Pheasant Ridge Recreational Vehicle Resort

This state-of-the-art RV facility prides itself on its careful balance between the amenities of civilization and the serenity of the natural world. Only 14 miles from Portland, Pheasant Ridge Recreational Vehicle Resort offers full hookups, laundry, and a great dog run.

  • Price: $61-75
  • Number of sites: 130
  • RV sites: Yes (max length 65’)
  • Hookups: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

Beautiful landscaping, indoor pool and hot tub, small market, laundry facilities, horseshoe pits on a beautiful grassy area.” – Andrea P.

8. Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store

With water and 30-amp hookups at every site and gorgeous views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helen’s, Reeder Beach RV Park & Country Store is a charming spot to visit on Sauvie Island. Located on the Oregon side of the river, this is a perfect spot for birders and nature lovers alike.

  • Price: $35-$40
  • Number of sites: 56
  • RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
  • Hookups: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

Been coming here since I was a child and I have always loved this place!” – Patty S.

9. Mt. Hood Village RV Resort

At just under an hour from Portland, OR, Mt. Hood Village RV Resort is a large, premier RV resort close to all the area’s attractions, like Mt. Hood National Forest or Timberline Lodge, a ski resort with year-round snow sports.

The resort offers indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness room, laundry facilities, and every type of camping scenario you can imagine, just steps from picturesque Mt. Hood.

  • Price: $41-80
  • Number of sites: 382
  • RV sites: Yes (max length 60’)
  • Hookups: Yes
  • Fires allowed: Yes
  • Pets allowed: Yes

Great restaurant, good sized spaces and a nice country store.” – Gregg K.

10. Portland Fairview RV Park

Close to Osborn Creek and a short walk from Fairview Lake is Portland Fairview RV Park, only eight minutes from downtown Portland. Some sites are close, but most are grassy with shade and picnic tables. There are tons of amenities, but fires, animals, and tent camping are not permitted. This is primarily an RV and vehicle camping spot with longtime residents.

  • Price: $20-62
  • Number of sites: 407
  • RV sites: Yes (max length 60’)
  • Hookups: Yes
  • Fires allowed: No
  • Pets allowed: No

Nice, clean park. Very large and busy but has nice amenities.” – Chris and Kate H.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot overnight or if you want to go deep into the wilderness and stay as long as possible, these 10 campgrounds in and around Portland are perfect for taking your TAXA on an adventure. For additional ideas, refer to The Dyrt’s complete list of camping spots in Oregon.